The vehicle failed to stop following the collision with the officer, who was on-duty at the time of the incident.

The officer has been taken to hospital with head injuries. He was discharged from hospital last night.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector James Mather of Force CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have information about the incident to please contact police immediately.

“I would particularly like to speak to anyone who has mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident or the vehicle being driven in the town to come forward.

“The vehicle, a red Vauxhall Astra, was involved in a number of road traffic collisions after the incident in Market Square, but thankfully no-one was injured during these subsequent collisions. I would also like to hear from anyone who saw a vehicle matching the description being driven erratically in the town.

“The vehicle was later located in Osier Way but there was no driver or passengers in the car. We believe the driver and two passengers, all believed to be male, fled the scene.

“Thankfully the officer is now recovering at home with support from his family and the force. This incident highlights the sacrifices that police officers and staff make every day to protect the public across the country.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident is urged to call police on 101 and quote reference number 747 (13/2).”

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This is the face of a man wanted after attempted rape of girl aged 10

A huge policing operation has been launched in Manchester to trace a suspected sex attacker who allegedly tried to rape a 10-year-old girl.

The attacker is described as being of Asian appearance, in his 20s and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coat.

The incident happened as the girl was out playing with friends but they became separated at 2pm on Saturday on Kincraig Close in the Openshaw area of Manchester.

Police have said that a man approached her and then tried to rape her in open land nearby.

The girl managed to escape and in a distressed state managed to stop a dog walker to ask for help.

Extra officers will be patrolling Openshaw after a man attempted to rape a girl.

Shortly after 2pm yesterday (Saturday 10 February 2018) a 10-year-old girl became separated from her friends on Kincraig Close.

A man approached her and attempted to rape her in open land nearby.

The brave girl managed to flee and stopped a dog walker to ask for help.

Police were immediately called and searched the area to try and find the offender.

He is described as being of Asian appearance, in his 20s and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coat.

Detective Chief Inspector James Riley, from GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: “What happened to this young girl is understandably very upsetting and specially trained officers will continue to support her in any way they can.

“Parents and neighbours will be concerned and we have stepped up our visible police patrols throughout the coming days and nights. If you do have any worries then please feel free to approach them and they will try and assist.

“I also want to stress that we are doing everything in our power to find the man responsible for this and a dedicated team of detectives are working round the clock.

“So far we have a number of witnesses who are being extremely helpful, while we will also be continuing to knock on doors in the area to see if anyone else saw anything suspicious.

“Extensive CCTV is being examined and I can confirm that we haven’t received any other reports of this nature in the area over the weekend.

“With the help of this brave girl and the community we have a good description of the attacker and if anyone recognises it or recalls seeing a man matching that description in the area, then please call us.”

Anyone with any information should call CID on 0161 856 1146. Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Baby death: boy aged 16 charged with murder of six week old

Police have today charged a 16-year-old boy with the murder of a six week old baby.

The boy was charged on Tuesday night and is expected to appear before Southampton Magistrates court on Wednesday morning charged with Murder.

Hampshire Constabulary have not released any details relating to the six week olds death but have confirmed that Police and paramedics were called at 5.05am on Sunday, February 11, to Defender Road, Southampton

They were responding to reports that a child needed urgent medical attention. The baby was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An 18-year-old woman has been released from police custody but remains under investigation.